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Swamp Thing: The Series - Seasons 1 & 2 (TV)
R0 - America - Shout! Factory Review written by and copyright: Rob Fields (22nd January 2008). |
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The Film
 The first time I ever crossed paths with "Swamp Thing" was when I had seen the TV promos for the Wes Craven film (1982). Unfortunately, I was too young to be going to the movies by myself. And the closest theater was in Sandusky (about 25 miles away). I thought that "Swamp Thing" was your garden variety monster movie. I didn't know he was actually a comic book character AND a super hero, until I found a black-and-white trade paperback in the book aisle at Rink's, a small department store in my town of Bellevue back in the day. I bought the paperback and read through it in about an hour. It wasn't a movie adaptation, but it did have the origin of "Swamp Thing" in it. It wasn't until last summer when I finally got my hands on the "Swamp Thing" DVD. I got the Region 2 U.K. disc, since I couldn't find it in the U.S. plus, I had also heard the U.S. release of the film was cut compared to the rest of the planet. When I was working at Suncoast back in the Sandusky Mall, I saw another DVD featuring the title character : "The Return of Swamp Thing" (1989). I still have yet to pick it up, but I do plan to see it one day. But now I'm just now finding out that "Swamp Thing" spread to TV as a series on the USA Network, which ran from 1990-1993. I guess since I didn't have cable (still don't) and wasn't so much into movies as I am now, it completely slipped in under my radar. I also found out that Dick Durock has played the character in the two feature films, and also in this TV series. It also surprised me to find out that he was a part of the "The Incredible Hulk" TV series (1978-1982). For those of you who don't know, he was seen in a Season 4 two-parter called "The First". He played the evil Hulk (Del Frye's creature). Now that I've got this TV series here for review, I'm really looking forward to watching this. The question to be answered is: Will it be worth the excitement? "Swamp Thing: The Series" (as stated on the packaging), it actually contains the first two seasons : in the order in which they were meant to be seen. When an attempt on Dr. Alec Holland's (Patricl Neil Quinn) life leaves him consumed by deadly chemicals and fire, the swamps of Louisiana transform him into a superhuman creature hell-bent on ridding the swamp : and the world : of the evil that men do. Based on the legendary DC Comics character, the USA Network commissioned a total of 72 episodes of this cult favorite that aired between 1990 and 1993. Starring Dick Durock (reprising his title role from the popular feature films). Mark Lindsay Chapman (Dr. Anton Arcane), Jesse Zeigler (Jim Kipp), Carrell Myers (Tressa Kipp), Anthony Galde (Oho Haritson), Scott Garrison (Will Kipp) and featuring Kari Wuhrer (Abigail), "Swamp Thing: The Series" follows the tortured creature that was once a man and his quest to regain the humanity that was taken from him, purging the swamp of evildoers along the way. I liked that Durock was able to come over from the big screen to the small screen to continue the legacy. To me that gave it added value. You don't see too many actors playing their character from one format to the next. At least you don't have to get used to a whole new actor playing the title roll. While a new actor could have possibly played Swamp Thing, he may have brought a new perspective to the role. However, it still wouldn't have been Durock. It would have been like when Ken Kirzinger replaced Kane Hodder as Jason Voorhees for "Freddy Vs. Jason" (2003). While Kirzinger may have played the role effectively, you could tell just by watching him that he wasn't Hodder. It was nice to see that Dr. Alec Holland (Patricl Neil Quinn) was able to make an appearance near the end of Season 1, which helped set up some back story in revealing how he became Swamp Thing. So, one question is answered. No, you do NOT have to have seen both theatrical movies in order to follow the series. Watching each episode can make 27 minutes can pass by very quickly. The downsides? You don't really see too much of the title character in the beginning episodes of Season 1. He seems to be more of a spectator and only seems to come out when necessary. It sort of reminds me of Freddy Krueger from the "Freddy's Nightmares" TV series (1988-1990). It seemed that the little boy, Jim Kipp, is the one who had to carry those beginning episodes. While I've grown to like him and feel he is a strong character, the series IS called "Swamp Thing". Fortunately, Swamp Thing started doing more as it got to the middle of Season 1 and onward from there. Still, some times I can understand why Swamp Thing doesn't fully make himself known, other than to Jim. As people are not ready to accept what he is, it is probably better that they do not know...for their own good. Also, each episode is only around 24 minutes. I feel that they could have been expanded more. Being one hour in length made shows like "The Incredible Hulk" work. Also, while it was nice to see Dr. Holland make an appearance, it's too bad it wasn't Ray Wise playing him as he did in the original movie. Also, when it comes to Arcane, I've got an issue. In the comics, he was an old man. It's hard to see him being a thirty-something heartthrob. It was also sad to see Jim go the way he did, but unfortunately that's the way the story was written. The final word is that the TV series does start out on the slow side at first, but it does get better as you continue watching. It may not have the flair of the big screen versions, but it is still worthy to have in your collection if you like Swamp Thing. Remember, you still have Durock playing the title hero. The answer to my earlier question: Yes, this series was definitely worth the excitement. And there's still more of the series to go after this set... Note: The Internet Movie Data Base and TV.com both have every episode listed in this set as Season 1. However, the back of the outer casing and the literature from Shout! Factory both state that the episodes, as listed below, are placed into the original order as they were meant to be seen. I have provided the original airdates below for those of you who are interested. There are 22 episodes presented here: - "The Emerald Heart" (23:22) : Original airdate: July 27th, 1990. The main series characters are introduced. Tressa visits her mother's home with her young son, Jim, who finds "the emerald heart" in the swamps. - "Falco" (23:24) : Original airdate: November 9th, 1990. One of Arcane's failed experiments comes looking for vengeance during the funeral for Jim's grandmother. - "Treasure" (23:24) : Original airdate: October 26th, 1990. A thief on the run from his female accomplice chooses the swamp as his hiding place for a fortune in stolen cash and Jim's house as his final stop. - "From Beyond the Grave" (23:26) : Original airdate: November 16th, 1990. Jim and his mother may have to leave the swamp after a lawyer delivers a notice of eviction. - "Blood Wind" (23:25) : Original airdate: October 5th, 1990. Arcane's protégé is experimenting with hatred pheromones. When Tressa is accidentally exposed to his latest batch, she spreads the pheromones to the townsfolk who end up wanting nothing more than to kill her. - "Grotesquery" (23:24) : Original airdate: October 12th, 1990. Swamp Thing is overcome by toxic waste and is sold to a carnival freak show ran by a cruel man. - "New Acquaintance" (23:26) : Original airdate: November 2nd, 1990. Jim is feeling lonely and tries to make a new friend when he meets a mysterious girl in town. - "Natural Enemy" (23:23) : Original airdate: October 19th, 1990. Swamp Thing is teaching Jim about endangered plants in the swamp when they come upon an area Swamp Thing refuses to explain or let Jim go into. Curious, Jim returns to have a look. While visiting, he is bitten by a venomous insect created by Arcane. - "Spirit of the Swamp" (23:27) : Original airdate: September 28th, 1990. Veteran actor Roscoe Lee Browne plays an "Ogun" which is a voodoo priest whom Arcane employs to overcome Swamp Thing. - "Legend of the Swamp Maiden" (23:27) : Original airdate: September 21st, 1990. Jim and Oboe are resolute to see the Swamp Maiden who appears only once every three years. Jim plans to take pictures of her, though both have been warned not to touch her. An unknown man offers to buy the pictures that Jim might take. - "The Death of Dr. Arcane" (23:25) : Original airdate: September 14th, 1990. Thugs working for Arcane kidnap Jim. Arcane takes one of his creations into the swamp and is met by Swamp Thing who objects. The creature escapes and Arcane is killed, but must be revitalized in order for Swamp Thing to save Jim. - "The Living Image" (23:25) : Original airdate: September 7th, 1990. Dr. Arcane transforms his partner in crime into the living image of Swamp Thing's lost spouse in hopes of tricking him into revealing the formula for the bio-restorative recipe, which is intended to modify his DNA and stop aging. - "The Shipment" (23:27) : Original airdate: November 23rd, 1990. Arcane sends Jim into slavery after the boy is witness to the evil doctor's hideous transformations of men into monsters. The Season 1 finale sees Swamp Thing losing one ally only to gain a new one. - "Birthmarks" (23:25) : Original airdate: February 1st, 1991. A runaway synthetic human from Dr. Woodroe's lab, Abigail, is seen running through the street from an exploding boat by Will who befriends her. Also, a baby is swept away by the waters of the swamp from the same explosion into arms of Swamp Thing. - "The Dark Side of the Mirror" (23:26) : Original airdate: February 8th, 1991. Swamp Thing is framed by one of Arcane's mutants for murdering the district attorney who was on to Arcane. - "Silent Screams" (23:25) : Original airdate: February 15th, 1991. Arcane traps a mother and daughter behind an invisible force field and only Swamp Thing can rescue them. - "Walk a Mile In My Shoots" (23:25) : Original airdate: February 22nd, 1991. Arcane trades bodies with Swamp Thing after setting a trap using Will as bait. - "The Watcher" (23:26) : Original airdate: March 1st, 1991. Tressa accidentally stumbles across Arcane's latest model of henchmen, robots who are hunting down Abigail. - "The Hunt" (23:26) : Original airdate: March 8th, 1991. Will's father shows up looking for a rare plant that Arcane has nefarious plans for. - "Touch of Death" (23:26) : Original airdate: March 15th, 1991. Arcane's experiments with Dr. Holland's formula by murdering a local man who comes back from the dead with severe side effects. - "Tremors of the Heart" (23:27) : Original airdate: March 22nd, 1991. Arcane experiments with artificial earthquakes. - "The Prometheus Parabola" (23:25) : Original airdate: April 5th, 1991. In the Season 2 finale, Tressa and Abigail are taken hostage by a man with a score to settle with Arcane. Soon there is all out war at Tressa's house. It's up to Swamp Thing to put a stop to it.
Video
Each episode is presented in its original full screen aspect ratio of 1.33:1. Although there are no chapter selection menus, each episode has only one chapter stop (after the opening title sequence ends). Shout! Factory did a great job re-mastering the episodes. However, you can see bits of the original film grain. Don't worry; it's not so bad to where you can't watch them. Unless you're really paying close attention and are nitpicky, you probably won't even see the grain. There are no pixels or other noticeable defects other than this. You can choose to watch each episode individually; you can utilize the 'Play All' option for a continuous marathon.
Audio
Each episode is accompanied by an English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono soundtrack. There are no subtitles available whatsoever. While the audio is quite adequate : all the background noise and the dialogue can be heard clearly : it seems lower than most of the other titles with Dolby 2.0 mono tracks that I've heard throughout my previous reviews. In fact, I had to turn the volume up from my normal setting of 50 to 55 make it sound more like normal.
Extras
Shout! Factory have included a pair of interviews, some bonus trailers and with a bit of searching there are a few Easter eggs to be found. Below is a closer look at these extras broken down per disc. DISC ONE: This first disc features the following bonus trailers before the start of the Main Menu only: - "Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story" which runs for 2 minutes 21 seconds. - "The Film Crew" which runs for 1 minute 12 seconds. There's an Easter egg : From the Main Menu, select 'Episodes'. Now move to the episode called "Treasure" and press right to reveal Swamp Thing. Press Enter to see a 3 minute 23 second featurette called "These Are the Days Of Our...Justice League?" Here you will see Swamp Thing co-creator Len Wein talking about how characters are created: what powers do they have, what personalities, etc...Then he talks about "Days of Our Lives" (1965-Present) an NBC soap opera, where he learned how to juggle stories between the Justice League characters. DISC TWO: This disc does not contain any actual extras, but there is a hidden Easter egg - From the Main Menu, select 'Episodes'. Now move to the episode called "Legend of the Swamp Maiden" and press left to reveal Swamp Thing. Press Enter to see a 2 minute 29 second featurette called "Swamp Thing Returns?". Here Len Wein talks about a new possible big-budget theatrical release and some of the aspects about it. He also goes into details about Arcane. DISC THREE: This disc does not contain any actual extras, but there is a hidden Easter egg - From the Main Menu, select 'Episodes'. Now move to the episode called "The Watcher" and press right to reveal Swamp Thing. Press Enter to see a 1 minute 2 second featurette called "The Makeup". Here you will see the man who plays Swamp Thing, Dick Durock, talking about some of the pieces of his costume. DISC FOUR: The extra features are called "The Men Behind the Muck" and features two interviews, both of which were quite interesting. Each of them are presented in 1.85:1 non-anamorphic widescreen format. They can be played separately or with the 'Play All' option and include: - "Len Wein, Swamp Thing Co-Creator" runs 8 minutes 7 seconds. Here you see concepts come up on the screen, and Wein touches on them. Some of the things he talks about are how he got into comics and how "Swamp Thing" came to be. - "Dick Durock, Actor" runs 10 minutes 59 seconds. It starts out briefly with Wein praising Durock. Then you see Durock himself. Like the previous interview, you see concepts come up on the screen, and he talks about them. Some of the things he talks about are how he started off as a stuntman. He touches on how he also got acting gigs and how he's wracked up so many credits. He even talks how he first got the role in Wes Craven's film.
Packaging
"Swamp Thing: The Series : Seasons 1 & 2" is a 4-DVD set with 2 discs placed into their own clear plastic slim-cases, all placed into a single cardboard case.
Overall
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